määtä

Mätä is a Finnish word describing rot, decay, or spoilage, primarily used for organic matter. As an adjective, it characterizes something that is spoiled or rotten, especially food; as a noun, it can refer to the decayed material itself.

Decay is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down tissue. The process speeds up with warmth, moisture, and exposure to air, though anaerobic conditions can lead to putrefaction and a strong, foul odor. In food contexts, spoilage is often visible as discoloration, slime, or gas buildup, and the taste or smell becomes unpleasant or unsafe.

Common contexts include spoiled meat, fish, dairy products, and fruits, but the term can also describe decayed organic materials in other settings, such as wood or plants. In everyday language, mätä is used to warn about unsafe or unusable items.

Health and safety considerations emphasize that spoiled foods can harbor pathogens or toxins. It is prudent not to taste or consume items that show signs of spoilage and to discard them. Proper handling reduces risk.

Prevention centers on storage and hygiene: refrigerate perishable foods promptly (typically at or below 4°C), keep foods sealed, avoid cross-contamination, and follow use-by dates. When cooking spoiled foods, heating does not reliably neutralize all toxins, so disposal is the safer option.